The City of Prairie du Chien was incorporated in 1872, and the Fire Department was created by ordinance in 1873. There were four fire companies, the boundaries of which followed the city wards for the most part. The Phoenix #1 Company, the largest company, served the second and third wards and was reputed to get the best of everything. Company #1 was assisted by the Cataract #2 Company which was made up of all young men and was sometimes called Assistant #2. Aetna #3 Company served the lower town or 1st Ward. The Badger Company #4 served the 4th Ward, which was all on St. Feriole Island at the time, and it was said to have the best esprit de corps.
In 1903, the City Council went from a volunteer to a paid force which reduced the size of the Department to 32 firefighters but that lasted only a year when the department became an all volunteer force again. The Fire Department maintained the four companies until 1930 when they merged to form one City Fire Department.
In 1946, the City created the Police and Fire Commission, a board of five members appointed by the Mayor to serve 5-year terms. The Police and Fire Commission duties are to hire the Fire Chief, Police Chief, and their subordinates and to mediate any disciplinary problems in either department. In 1976, the City hired its first full-time Fire Chief to oversee the operation of the Department and perform all required fire prevention inspections.
Prairie du Chien Fire Department Needs Firefighters!!
The Prairie du Chien Fire Department is a volunteer fire department with a full-time Fire Chief. The firefighters are paid a salary for the year with bonuses added for rank and/or percentages made for training and fire calls. The Prairie du Chien Fire Department is looking for people that have a desire to help keep the City of Prairie du Chien safe and help mitigate emergencies that arise. The Fire Department has openings for people that live within 15 minutes of the fire station. Are you interested? Please read on!!
Volunteer Firefighter Requirements
- Valid Wisconsin Driver License
- High School Diploma
- 18 Years of Age
- Live within 15 minutes of the Prairie du Chien Fire station
- Pass our application process which includes an interview and medical physical
- Pass an employment background check and reference check
- Have ample time to give to provide a very needed service for our community
- Have a sense of dedication and willingness to be part of a professional team
If you make the commitment, meet the above requirements and are hired as a firefighter there are certain educational requirements. They are as follows:
- Entry Level Firefighter Class-60 hours
- Firefighter 1 Certification class-Additional 36 hours with a written and practical Wisconsin State Certification Test
These classes are usually held in the evenings and/or on Saturdays which are provided through Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. These classes are paid for by the Fire Department. As with everything else, things change over time. The same has held true for the fire service. It is becoming increasingly hard to find people willing to take on the challenge of being a volunteer firefighter. BUT our community needs YOU!!
If interested or have any questions about being a volunteer firefighter for the Prairie du Chien Fire Department, please call the Fire Station at 608.326.4365 Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. You can also stop by the Fire Station (720 E. Blackhawk Ave.) during the same hours. You can email the Fire Chief at fire@prairieduchien-wi.gov or talk to any firefighter about getting an application.
BECOMING A MEMBER
If you are at least 18 years of age, live within 15 minutes of the City, and wish to become a member of the Prairie du Chien Fire Department, you need to complete an application and return it to the Fire Chief. Membership and training requirements will be explained to you as well as when or if there is going to be an opening.